Nothing outshines a beech tree in autumn, although it is an imposing tree in all seasons. The leaves glow orange and russet, like the dying embers of a bonfire, before drying to a warm, burnished tan. They hang on throughout winter, rustling in the wind, a good foil for the steely blues and muted greens of conifers. In spring, the long, tightly furled new foliage pushes off … [Read more...] about Behold the beautiful beech tree
Plants
Another exemplary Explorer rose
Currently, there are about two dozen Explorer roses on the market, and I’ve grown about 10 of them. In spring 2002, I planted three of the relatively new ‘A.C. William Booth’ in Canadian Zone 7 (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario). Some catalogues describe him as a sprawler, others a climber. With arching, flexible canes of about five feet (1.5 metres), either use is fine. My aim was … [Read more...] about Another exemplary Explorer rose
Prinses Irene tulip is an early-blooming Triumph tulip
Planting blue Icicle pansies at the base of dusty orange tulips provides a more bracing spring tonic than the usual soft pastels so prevalent at that time of year. A few deep purple hyacinths and the glossy green leaves of Vinca minor fill out the tapestry. The ‘Prinses Irene’ tulip, an early blooming Triumph tulip, is indispensable. Its fragrant blooms on strong stems are … [Read more...] about Prinses Irene tulip is an early-blooming Triumph tulip
